Entries by Lisa McDonald

Holding Corporations Accountable for Child Labor: NCL Endorses New Bipartisan Bill 

January 11, 2026 in , , /by

January 10, 2025: Washington, DC – Today, the National Consumers League’s (NCL) Child Labor Coalition (CLC) is proud to support Congresswoman Hillary Scholten’s reintroduction of her bipartisan Justice for Exploited Children Act alongside Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07). This legislation would increase both civil and criminal penalties for companies that violate child labor standards established in the Fair Labor Standards Act. Under current law, penalties for child labor violations are as low as $10,000 in some cases – and the maximum prison sentence is 6 months, even if violations result in the death or serious injury of a child.  

New Dietary Guidelines Take on Ultra-processed Foods but Abandon Longstanding Advice on Red Meat, Full-Fat Dairy Products and Alcohol

January 7, 2026 in , /by

January 7, 2026: Washington, DC – As a voice for the nation’s consumers, the National Consumers League (NCL) values recommendations in the newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030 that encourage consumers to eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains but has significant concerns that the guidelines abandon science-based recommendations limiting daily consumption of red meat, full-fat dairy products, and alcoholic beverages.

Broad Coalition Opposes Politicization of DC Attorney General 

December 16, 2025 in , /by

December 16, 2025: Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL), joined by 29 nonprofit, consumer, civil rights, faith-based, and civic organizations, urged congressional leaders to reject H.R. 5179, the District of Columbia Attorney General Appointment Reform Act, today. The organizations warn that the bill would dangerously undermine the independence of the District’s chief law enforcement office and expose nonprofits and consumers to politicized enforcement.

Trump’s Attempt to Nullify State AI Regulations Is a Disaster for Consumers

December 12, 2025 in /by

December 12, 2025: Washington, DC – Yesterday, in an Executive Order, President Trump directed his administration to block state-enacted safeguards around artificial intelligence, including the restriction of federal funding to states the White House targets and the creation of a “Litigation Task Force” to challenge states’ consumer protections. NCL wholly opposes these efforts as unregulated AI products create significant risks to the public, from serious issues regarding safety and mental health, to unauthorized uses of consumer data and creative works. 

The Biloxi Lawsuit Isn’t Just Another “Hotels vs. Short-Term Rentals” Fight

December 8, 2025 in , /by

December 8, 2025: When cities crack down on short-term rentals, the headlines often scream “Airbnb vs. Hotels!” — but the story is bigger than a platform feud. Behind the zoning rules and permit limits lies a high-stakes battle over who gets to control the lodging market, and whether “consumer protection” is just a cover for keeping competition out. A recent lawsuit in the Deep South may seem local, but it highlights a national trend with real consequences for travelers, homeowners, and communities alike.

Major Child Labor Victory in Ohio, Governor DeWine Vetoes Senate Bill 50

December 4, 2025 in /by

December 4, 2025: Washington, DC – Today, the National Consumers League’s Child Labor Coalition is very pleased to announce a significant victory in our fight to strengthen child labor laws in Ohio. Governor Mike DeWine has vetoed SB 50, legislation that would have weakened Ohio’s child labor protections by allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. on school nights. 

NCL Decries Trump Administration’s Proposed Rule to Weaken Fuel Economy Standards

December 3, 2025 in /by

December 2, 2025: Washington, DC – The Trump administration today released a proposed rule to weaken fuel economy standards for light-duty vehicles.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that the proposed standards would achieve a fleet average fuel economy of 34.5 miles per gallon by model year 2031, a dramatic decrease from the 50.4 miles per gallon that the Biden era standards were projected to achieve.